Selma Blair on Life With MS and Why She Missed Travel Most of All

“I deeply missed traveling,” says Selma Blair, recounting the time immediately following her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, when even simple tasks felt insurmountable. “Seeing new things can change your perspective. It inspires you. When you can’t do that, it’s a loss.”

The 52-year-old actress can trace the start of her symptoms all the way back to fourth grade, when she temporarily lost control of her bladder and left leg. At the time, no one knew what was afflicting her; over the next several decades, doctors hypothesized that her symptoms were caused by everything from malnutrition to psychosis. So when she was finally diagnosed with MS in 2018, there was a sense of relief. But she was overwhelmed by the sometimes debilitating aspects of the disease — both walking and talking had become incredibly difficult.

Multiple sclerosis is caused by an abnormal immune response that attacks healthy cells in the brain and spinal cord. Those with the disorder experience a range of symptoms — some mild, others more severe — that include vision and memory loss, pain, fatigue, and impaired coordination. 

Pre-diagnosis, Blair, a Los Angeles–based actor, was known for hits like “Legally Blonde” and “Cruel Intentions.” One of her favorite things to do when not on set was to see the world. She particularly loved exploring new places with her son, Arthur, who was born in 2011. (His dad is Blair’s ex-partner, Jason Bleik.) After her diagnosis, Blair worried about being away from her doctors or finding herself in a place she’d be unable to navigate. And, of course, she had no clue whether her go-to hotels would even be accessible to someone with a disability. 

Blair dove headfirst into finding ways to manage her condition. In 2019, she spent significant time in Chicago undergoing hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) — an invasive and potentially risky treatment she chronicled in the documentary “Introducing, Selma Blair.” The procedure involved undergoing chemotherapy, being infused with stem cells, and regular monitoring. Blair, who has likened the treatment to “rebooting her computer,” says it helped her get her symptoms under control. 

Eventually, the actor felt she had enough understanding about her condition to venture out into the world again — and she was pleasantly surprised to find that many hotels took accessibility seriously. One such place? Rosewood Miramar Beach, the 153-room Montecito property Blair chose as the setting for her Travel + Leisure cover shoot. Walkways are spacious and the terrain is relatively flat, both of which, Blair notes, are incredibly helpful for those dealing with mobility issues. The fact that the hotel — which has seven accessible rooms — is also dog-friendly was crucial, because it meant her service dog, an English fox-red Lab named Scout, was welcome; the property even offers a customized pet menu and exclusive pet products and amenities. Plus, with a sumptuous spa and four restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Caruso’s, guests don’t need to venture far to enjoy a relaxed California vacation.

Here, Blair shares more about her relationship with travel, including how she learned to navigate the world after her diagnosis, and some of the places she loves visiting most. 

Was travel part of your life growing up?

My parents were always very thrifty, but they were real vacation snobs. They worked hard, so a trip really meant something. We went to Paris, Egypt, Puerto Rico. 

Travel has always been a reset to me. Now, even with my own kid, we hit a problem and take a trip to New York — the problem always seems more workable in a different location. 

Once you started acting, did you enjoy being on the road?

Oh my gosh, I was so excited. People were like, “Wow, you have to go to Uzbekistan for a year?!” But I couldn’t wait! When you travel for work, you don’t necessarily get the same perks as you do when you’re on vacation, but you’re living in a place for a bit and that is amazing. That said, when it is nonstop, you start to miss having a home base.

What gave you the travel bug again? 

Becoming a mom. I was so tired and sick, though I didn’t know why at the time, and I just craved being somewhere beautiful where other people take care of you. I could order soup for me, and food for my kid, and enjoy beautiful sights. I used travel as a refuge in the darkest days of early motherhood.

Does your son, Arthur, enjoy travel? 

Yes. When he was about two, I remember being in a hotel and he picked up the phone and said, “Hello, French Fry Guy, can you send us some french fries?” He thought that no matter what number you dialed on the phone, it was room service. So, he definitely appreciates the finer things. We recently did Paris, and when we got off the plane, he’s like, “We’re going out.” Normally I would’ve gone to bed, but having a child who loves to walk, shop, and see the cool things gets me to go out. 

How did you change the way you travel after the diagnosis?

The truth is when you get really sick and you’re not making money, it will temper your travel. And also I was too ill to really get the bags packed and get my child together to go on a plane. When we did, I’d get there and wouldn’t enjoy it. I didn’t have the energy, I didn’t have the walking skills to deal with places like New York or Chicago. It was challenging. 

What changed? 

Eventually, when I started to feel better and get a bit of my energy back, I went to places like The Rittenhouse hotel, in Philadelphia. But it wasn’t until I took a big trip to Paris that I realized how much I had truly missed traveling. And I realized I could do it. Yes, when you have a health issue, you have to take care of yourself in a different way, but you can travel and it can help. Having that shot in the arm of new memories and new visuals can be incredibly refreshing. Even if you are nervous, that anxiety can get you in a different mindset. Use that excitement to fuel you.

What do you do to make sure you stay healthy when you’re away from home? 

I have a number of safeguards. The first thing I do is figure out where the hospital is. I actually think that’s a wise thing for anyone to do, regardless of whether you have a health problem. I also have to stay really hydrated. This is important if you have a chronic illness and are taking a lot of meds. When you fly, you’re going to get dehydrated. 

MS can impact mobility. Does that get hard when you’re traveling? 

I take my cane everywhere, even when I think I don’t need it. I have a fold-up model and put it in my bag. If I get off balance and am by myself, people will think I am drunk and even call 911. So I have to signal to them — either with my walking device or my service dog — that I am fine, I just have a disability. 

When it comes to accessibility, what do you look for in a location or hotel? 

Somewhere like Rosewood Miramar Beach is really great because it’s flat, which makes it easier for someone with a disability to get around. Certain cities may not be as friendly. Take New York, for example. Getting around on the subway if you are in a wheelchair is pretty much impossible. Many people with MS have to be careful with sun exposure — it can really impact them. But for people who need to stay out of the sun or rest during the day, Spain is a great option — there’s a tradition of taking a nap, and dinner usually starts late at night. There are so many ways to think creatively about travel depending on what your health needs are.

Are there other things you’ve learned through trial and error about accessibility when you travel? 

I’ll sometimes get to a beautiful property, and when I check in, they’ll have put me somewhere that’s far from everything. They’ll say, “you’ll be secluded and have privacy.” But that can be a problem for me, because I can’t always get back to the main areas. You want to say something before you feel helpless or before your temper flares up. As a guest at a hotel, it’s okay for you to ask that your needs be met.

What does your packing situation look like? 

I realized I had too much stuff with me. I have my service dog, Scout, plus my cane, meds, and a variety of other things. So I have learned to keep it light with the clothes. I have a uniform — navy pants and a white shirt. I’ll bring a sundress and maybe a sweater, and that’s about it. You can make anything look good with a few simple accessories and always look chic and classic. My mother taught me that. She knew how to accessorize and would pack things you could wash in the sink. Now I’m like that, too. 

You’ve been an advocate for accessibility, even appearing at the White House to talk about it. What made you want to be so vocal? 

When I shared my diagnosis, it was still very taboo. I knew other people with MS or with Parkinson’s who didn’t want anyone to know. But I just felt like I had to say something to make others more aware. I had people advocate for me when I was too sick to talk, so I wanted to use my voice to do what I can. 

Everyone fell in love with Scout at your cover shoot. How long has he been in your life?

I’ve had him for about two and a half years. I didn’t get him for emotional support — though any time you have an animal, they provide that. But I was finding my ability to go out was really hampered. I was embarrassed by how people would think I was breaking down. People would give me space or be nervous around me. Having a dog was a signal to others and helped to normalize me in public. It’s a balance. If you see a dog with a vest that says do not pet, listen to that. That dog has a job to do, and you don’t want to distract it.

What is one of the best trips you’ve ever been on? 

I almost hate to say this because I’ve been on so many bigger trips, like to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. But I would have to say it was taking my son and his dad to Grand Cayman. The trip was actually inspired by Travel + Leisure — we stayed at Palm Heights, which I’d seen on the cover. We took advantage of everything, like boating and fishing. The only time we were on our phones was when we were taking pictures. 

What’s still on your travel wish list? 

Like every old woman, I want to go on an Alaskan cruise when the northern lights are happening. I want to swim in ice water. I also wouldn’t mind being in a hut over the water somewhere like Fiji or Belize. Maybe this is a distinctly American thing, but when you say “vacation,” it instantly conjures up images of clear, blue ocean and an overwater bungalow. 

Doubles at Rosewood Miramar Beach from $1,695.